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Charlie Kirk's family plans to sue Utah Valley University, police over fatal shooting: 5 things to know
Charlie Kirk's family blames Utah officials for his assassination, citing neglect of safety measures by the university.
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The family of Charlie Kirk attributed responsibility to Utah officials for their failure to prevent the assassination of the prominent conservative activist at a state university, as stated by a wrongful death notice released Wednesday that suggests potential litigation may follow.
Kirk was exposed to a rooftop sniper who fired a deadly shot from more than 400 feet away on September 10, 2025, according to the family's attorneys, as a result of a series of “reckless decisions” made by Utah Valley University administrators. The university has come under heavy fire for failing to take important safety precautions on the day of the incident.
Kirk family to pursue legal action after Utah officials failed to prevent activist's killing: 5 things to know
- Kirk, 31, had been engaged in a debate with students within an outdoor courtyard that was enclosed by towering structures and drew an audience of several thousand attendees. A subsequent examination conducted by the Associated Press in the aftermath of the shooting revealed that the campus situated in Orem had neglected to implement numerous public safety protocols that have become customary protective measures at gatherings throughout the nation.
- The campus police force was substantially understaffed relative to the recommended complement for an institution of comparable magnitude. Furthermore, they did not deploy unmanned aerial vehicles to survey rooftops or establish coordination with regional law enforcement agencies to secure the event, which accommodated approximately 3,000 participants. Additionally, no baggage screening procedures or metal detection equipment were in place.
- “The risk of a rooftop shooter should have been especially top-of-mind given the attempted assassination of President Trump, Charlie Kirk’s close friend and political ally, by a rooftop shooter the previous year,” according to a notice submitted to state and university officials, Kirk family attorney D. Loren Washburn articulated the following position.
- The document, which was issued on September 9th—one day preceding the first anniversary of Kirk's passing—constitutes a mandatory procedural requirement under applicable state legislation that must be completed prior to his family's ability to initiate a formal claim or legal action.
- The notice identifies Utah Valley University and its then-serving president, Astrid Tuminez; the campus police department along with its chief, Jeffrey Long; and the state of Utah as named parties.
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Utah Valley University reacts
A representative from Utah Valley University acknowledged receipt of the notice and stated that the institution would respond in accordance with its established protocols.
“Our focus remains on supporting our campus community,” stated Sharon Turner, the university's spokesperson, in a written statement.
The Office of the Utah Attorney General declined to offer commentary regarding potential legal proceedings.
Legal representatives acting on behalf of Kirk's family contended that government officials committed further oversights, encompassing the failure to execute a comprehensive risk evaluation before granting event authorization, the neglect to institute appropriate security boundaries, and the absence of emergency medical personnel positioned for immediate response, which consequently necessitated Kirk's transportation to an adjacent medical facility via private automobile rather than through emergency ambulance services following the shooting incident.
“Tragically, the UVU Parties took none of these safety measures — steps only they had the authority to take — resulting in a situation that rendered Mr. Kirk helpless before his assassin,” Washburn said.
Following the incident, Long reported that his department had deployed six officers to manage the event and collaborated with Kirk's private security contingent, which consisted of eight personnel. Subsequently, the school announced plans to augment its police department in response to the shooting.
